Today Whirlpool launched a pilot project called "Laundry Time." The idea behind the project is making the washing machine more connected to your life. The washer and dryers being tested will be able to be monitored and controlled via computers, cellphones and televisions.

To be conducted in Atlanta homes between today and early September, Laundry Time is built around a connected laundry solution that links a washer and dryer to a home network and sends text messages about the laundry's progress to a computer, TV and/or cell phone. The technology lets consumers manage the laundry process from remote locations such as a grocery store or soccer game, freeing them up to go about their day rather than forcing them to stay home to manage the process.

This project should be pretty interesting given that Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Panasonic and Procter & Gamble all have their hands in on this project. – Travis Hudson